New Youth Committee for 2012 - 3/04/2012

Wanganui District Council’s Youth Committee welcomed eight new Youth Councillors at its meeting on Monday, April 2.

The Youth Committee is made up of 18 young people selected to ‘speak up and be heard’ on all issues, on behalf of youth in the Wanganui district. This role is recognised by Council’s official committee structure, which ensures the voice of the Youth Committee is heard and is able to influence Council’s decision making.

Youth Councillors are aged between 12 and 24 years and once appointed can serve for up to three years and be invited back for a fourth year by the Committee Chair.

“It was really great to welcome so many new Youth Councillors to the Committee,” says Cr Jack Bullock, Chair of the Youth Committee.

“We had a substantial agenda and there was lots of constructive discussion around the table between our 18 Youth Councillors.

“I am really looking forward to working with the 2012 Youth Committee which is one of the strongest groups we have had. Our new Youth Councillors are joining an enthusiastic team and will be organising and taking part in a whole lot of youth focused events and activities.

“They have got some great mentors in our existing Youth Councillors and I know they will have a really enjoyable time as well as learning a lot about themselves and helping Wanganui youth.

“These young people are really going to make a difference for the betterment of our youth in Wanganui.”

The eight new members were picked from 28 applications. The new Youth Councillors are:

• Jonathan Brumley, 16 years old, attends Wanganui Collegiate School. Jonathan follows current events and is interested in the environment and public speaking
• Josh Chandulal-Mackay, 17 years old, attends Wanganui Collegiate School. Josh was a Youth Councillor from 2008-2010. With his return comes previously gained knowledge and experience of the Youth Committee. Josh is interested in dance, sport, writing and volunteer work.
• Sally Dickison, 17 years old, attends Wanganui Collegiate School. Sally participates in athletics on a national level and is interested in supporting young people to achieve more academically, especially those who might not have the financial means for tutors and courses.
• Daniel Marks, 17 years old, attends Wanganui High School. Daniel enjoys sports and music, especially the guitar.
• Sam Munneke, 16 years old, attends Wanganui High School. Sam’s interests include maths and physics, and acting, singing and the playing guitar.
• Rhaz Solomon, 13 years old, Wanganui High School. Rhaz enjoys debating, playing squash and badminton, and Bojitsu.
• Jessica van Bentum, 15 years old, Wanganui High School. Jessica’s interests include speed-skating, reading, playing the piano and socialising with friends.
• Olivia Wood-Bodley, 15 years old, Wanganui High School. Olivia enjoys music, reading, going to the gym and spending time with friends.

Youth Crs Raphael Solomon and Renee Harrison were appointed as Co-deputy Chairs of the Youth Committee for 2012.

Youth Crs Sally Dickison and Daniel Marks were appointed as youth representatives to the Wanganui Rural Community Board.